RSS should seek Modi’s resignation: Congress, VBA

It is shameful if Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name appears in the Epstein files when the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) constantly speaks of culture and morality, Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said at a joint protest march organised by the Congress and Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), demanding the RSS to seek Mr. Modi’s resignation. 

“The names that appeared in Epstein files have either resigned or arrested but in India no action has been taken. The RSS must seek resignation of Mr. Modi as he has credited his appointment as Prime Minister to RSS,” said Mr. Sapkal. 

A joint protest march was organised from Constitution Square to the RSS headquarters in which Congress and VBA leaders participated and alleged that the government tried to suppress dissent by denying permission to march towards the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. Epstein files is associated with Jeffrey Epstein, a U.S.-based financier accused of running a large sex trafficking racket. 

However, the rally was denied police permission. To which Mr. Sakpal said, “We intended to symbolically present the Constitution and the national flag to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.” 

‘Under U.S. pressure’

Mr. Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Dr. B.R Ambedkar, alleged that the Central government was functioning under U.S. pressure, given the poor handling of trade relations with other countries. “Does his action on foreign policy reflect patriotism. Why Mr. Modi is fearful of the U.S.? I hope that the RSS leadership would seek accountability from him within 15 days,” said Mr. Ambedkar, criticising him for poorly handling relations with Iran, which helped India in tough times. 

Mr. Sapkal also criticised Mr. Modi’s silence on fuel and LPG issues, saying “the lack of action despite such allegations reflects shamelessness.” He also targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for “Maharashtra’s Epstein file” asking whether “he ignored misconduct of Ashok Kharat”. 

Nashik-based astrologer Ashok Kharat was arrested for sexually assaulting women under the pretext of resolving their problems.